This module aims to provide opportunities for learners to:

The module provides the students with the opportunity to make a proposal and/or implement action for change by undertaking an independent study which is, at least in part, original in concept. The course supports them in the development of understanding and skills required to carry out a project of enquiry, such as a practice-related audit, extended critical review of literature or change initiative in practice. The student will acquire relevant approval for their proposed work from their employing Trust/Research and Development Department. The student will then present their project as a 10,000 word dissertation for examination.

The aims of the module are to provide the students with the opportunity to:

• enable students apply their acquired post-graduate skills to the further study of their field of healthcare practice
• encourage scholarship and autonomy by building independent thinkers who understand the link between their academic discipline in the classroom and the post-study world
• nurture creativity and enterprise by developing effective communicators who are technologically confident and competent when encountering unfamiliar situations
• further develop students’ knowledge and expertise of different research methods, awareness of ethical issues and their application to research in healthcare
• further enhance students’ ability to work independently and extend their ability to carry out an independent research-based study through writing a proposal for change project.

The programme builds on existing knowledge and skills to support students currently working in health or social care to be autonomous and critical thinkers, allowing them to “top up” a Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent and relevant 120 credits at level 7) to a full Master’s degree.

Assessment

A 10,000 (+/- 10%) word dissertation, based on one of the currently offered project formats, viz.: an audit / service evaluation; work-based change management project; extended literature review.

This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

P13275/P13276: MA Healthcare Practice